Humanistic Buddhism: A Blueprint for Life
	Written by: Venerable Master Hsing Yun Translated by: John Balcom, Ph.D. Published by: Buddha's Light Publishing ISBN: 978-1-932293-33-3 5.5x8.5, 163 Pages, paperback Price: $15.00

The rationale for Humanistic Buddhism derives directly from the Buddha, "because the Buddha was born, cultivated the path, became enlightened, and strived to enlighten others in this world." It is with this understanding that Venerable Master Hsing Yun proceeds to elaborate on the many ways in which the Buddha's teachings can guide us through challenges in life. In doing so, he affirms the basic spirit of Humanistic Buddhism that centers on the conviction that the Dharma is of crucial pertinence to humanity.

Humanistic Buddhism is a book that not only embodies this spirit, but also discusses how it can be infused in life. As a "blueprint" of sorts for conduct and ethics, it is a handy manual for guiding us, as well as a lucid exposition of some of the main tenets in Buddhism.

Through illuminating examples and references to Buddhist teachings, Venerable Master Hsing Yun provides insights into many facets of the human condition. He shows how emotions, ethics, family, society, government, and the environment are all areas for contemplation and cultivation. In short, what Humanistic Buddhism reminds us of is that Buddhism is part of life, not separate from it.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun is founder of the Fo Guang Shan (Buddha's Light Mountain) Buddhist order and the Buddha's Light International Association. He has spent 50 years teaching Humanistic Buddhism, which he defines and delineates in this paperback. His goal has been to enable people to realize spiritual practice in everyday living by integrating Buddhist values into education, cultural activities, charity, and religious rituals.

The book is divided into chapters that present a blueprint for life: On Ethics (the Way of Home Life); On Morality (the Way of Cultivation); On Livelihood (the Way of Using Resources); On Emotions (the Way of Love and Affection); On Society (the Way of Oneself and Others); On Loyalty & Filial Piety (the Way of Establishing Oneself); On Wealth (the Way of Financial Management); On Long Life & Happiness (the Way of Ownership); On Maintaining Good Health (the Way of Medicine); On Loving-Kindness & Compassion (the Way of Affinity); On Cause & Effect (the Way of Dependent Origination); On Religion (the Way of Faith); On Life (the Way of Birth and Death); On Knowledge (the Way of Study); On Education & Amusement (the Way of Correct Life); On Funerals & Celebrations (the Way of Right Views); On Nature (the Way of Environmental Protection); On Government (the Way of Participating in Politics); On International Affairs (the Way of Tolerance); On the Future (the Way of Development).

Throughout this blueprint, Master Hsing Yun always returns to his emphasis upon ethics and practicing the virtues. For instance, he states that Buddhism does not reject feelings, "it advocates that feelings be imbued with compassion, purified by reason, circumscribed by etiquette, and guided by wisdom." He ponders the meaning of money and then salutes various kinds of spiritual wealth. We especially were drawn to a meditation on infinite life that we contribute to with faith, morality, wisdom, and merit. This seasoned spiritual teacher provides much food for thought.